Perceived stressors and coping strategies among heart transplant candidates

Abstract

This study examined heart transplant candidates' perceived stressors and coping strategies at the time of placement on the waiting list and at 3, 6, 9, and 12 months following. Mean stress scores were relatively low at each assessment time. The 4 greatest stressors were (1) having a terminal disease, (2) needing a heart transplant, (3) worrying family members, and (4) undergoing prolonged hospitalization. Total stress scores indicated that candidates were effectively using a moderate number of coping strategies, the 5 most frequently used ones being thinking positively, trying to keep life normal, keeping a sense of humor, praying or trusting in God, and trying to distract oneself. The 5 most effective coping mechanisms were thinking positively, keeping a sense of humor, thinking of good things, praying or trusting in God, and trying to keep life normal. No significant differences were seen in coping use or effectiveness over time.

Coping after heart transplantation: a descriptive study of heart transplant recipients’ methods of coping

“…It was apparent that many felt that they owed their life to God. Praying or trusting in God has been reported as one of the most frequently used coping strategies among heart transplant candidates (Cupples et al . 1998).…”

Health-related quality of life and psychological correlates in patients listed for liver transplantation

“…There is evidence from research on heart or lung transplant patients that the time on the waiting list can be stressful, with patients expressing fear of death and worries about deteriorating health, among others [1][2][3]. Nevertheless, extensive data on the well being of patients listed for a liver transplantation are currently not available.…”

For and against Organ Donation and Transplantation: Intricate Facilitators and Barriers in Organ Donation Perceived by German Nurses and Doctors

“…Important barriers and facilitators are found in the perceived stress and coping resources in handling ODT. Such stress and resources have not only been identified by relatives of potential donors and by those waiting for an organ [34, 35] but are experienced as well by HPs in ODT. For instance, Hibbert identified multiple stressors experienced by nurses, such as the threat of the dying patient and the inconsistent commitment of physicians to organ donation [36], but she also identified their work as meaningful to them and found coping resources for handling such stress in gaining control over emotions, distancing oneself, and taking timeout [37].…”